STYLE PROFILE- Ali & Bri of Rack It Up
Name: Alexandra (Fishlinger) Calame {right}, Briana Pashcow {left}
Current Title/Company: Co-Founders, Rack It Up {www.rackituponline.com}
Location: New York & D.C.
Rack It Up was created in 2012 by two great friends, Alexandra Calame {Ali} and Briana Pashcow{Bri}. They created their website for all the busy women out there who couldn’t shop flash sales during the work week. They were tired of their inboxes being filled with sale alerts for items sold out in our size & tired of flash sale pressure purchases. Ali and Bri wanted to create a place where women could go to track the clothes they want for the price they want!
1. What does a typical day look like for you?
Ali: My morning always starts with checking my email in bed…is that bad? After I run through a quick email review then I’ll get myself ready for the day. I then open up my computer to post on the RIU blog and start with some early morning social media. I’ll check our RIU Facebook and Twitter, and then check our RIU “contact us” email to answer any questions from users on the site. By this time it’s 10 am and Briana and I have already called/texted/emailed and g-chatted about 10 times. But, that’s what we love about technology it keeps us connected even though we aren’t in the same place all the time! The rest of my day usually varies with meetings or conference calls or other types of events.
Bri: My day starts with coffee…a large pot of coffee. I am not a morning person at all so until I’ve had those first few sips I am a total zombie. Then, I head to my computer and open my email accounts. Working on a website is, obviously, very tech based so every hour of my day is consumed with emailing, designing graphics, facebooking, tweeting, pinning & instagraming. Ali and I are also constantly brainstorming ways to update and enhance the site, making design & functionality decisions with our development team, jumping on conference calls and when we’re in the same city- NYC- running around to meetings & networking events.
2. How would you describe your personal style?
Ali: I like clean classic looks with a little bit of an edge. I always prefer pants to a skirt or dress because to me it’s just more comfortable. I am a bit of a shoe and accessories addict. You can wear the same black skinny jeans and blouse 10 times and make it look different by adding new jewelry and shoes.
Bri: Feminine & classic. I don’t often dress for comfort so it’s rare to find me in pants or a pair of flats. I love feminine cuts and prints. I can’t get enough of pencil skirts right now & the higher the heels the more I’m in love with them.
3. What are your favorite items in your wardrobe and why?
Ali: I have a classic white Burberry trench coat in my closet that my dad gave me one Christmas. My dad is sort of my “style icon” since he is always trying to push the envelope with his fashion choices, but he stays true to his classic style. He’s a great shopping partner (and gift giver!). That year he got my mom and I matching coats, mine in white and my mom’s is black.
Bri: I hope to one day say my investment pieces like a Celine handbag or my Christian Louboutin pumps {a girl can dream!} But my current favorites are the multifunctional staples. I have a perfectly tailored black blazer that I can wear with pretty much anything. I also love my leather jacket this time of year. It adds the perfect amount of edge to my outfits and I can wear it with a dress or sequin skirt for a night out or wear it with jeans and a white tee to go grab coffee.
4. Do you have any style or beauty secrets to share?
Ali: Style wise you should never judge anything on a hanger. Until you try it on you have no idea how it will look. Also, dress for you, not for someone else. Wear what makes you happy and makes you feel like a rock star because ultimately you shouldn’t care what other people think.
Bri: I’m a big fan of curled hair whether it’s soft beachy waves or just a little curl on the ends for that salon blow-dried look. It just polishes off any outfit even on those casual days in your jeans or comfy leggings. Having my hair done in the morning just makes me feel more put together and ready for the day.
5. How do you spend your "me" time?
Ali: I try to spend most of my down time hanging around with my husband and my dog Jackson. We both are really close to our families and friends so we like to spend weekends and free nights catching up with them. I am also a reality TV junkie, so any time I can catch up on the Real Housewives I’ll take it.
Bri: When I have down time I love to spend it with my boyfriend & our pup Chloe. A typical Friday night includes cooking dinner together, movies & wine in our apartment. But I’m also a big girls girl so I love nights out with my girlfriends complete with high heels, red lipstick & extra dirty martinis.
6. What is the most important thing you have learned through running your own business?
Ali & Bri: Two heads are better than one. We think it would have been a lot more challenging to start a business individually. So “cheers” to anyone who is doing that! Since we started Rack It Up we have come to realize that if you truly believe in something and work hard enough you can make it happen. In the world of startups, we’ve come to accept that daily challenges and complications are simply a right of passage. Also, you have to learn how to carve out your own niche & find your voice in the market while staying true to yourselves and your brand.
7. What is your mantra?
Ali: “Do what you love & love what you do”
Bri: “Behind every successful woman is herself”
Facebook: www.facebook.com/rackituponline
Twitter: @rackit_up
Instagram: @rackit_up
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/rackitup
Style Profile is a bi monthly style column featuring creative and talented entrepreneurs and business owners. I feature the stylish women behind these successful businesses and brands, their personal style, and share a glimpse into their typical work day.